The dispute became so bitter that the prince used the chessboard as weapon, and killed his antagonist with it.

Ogier, indignant at the murder, and unable to find redress at the hands of Charlemagne, insulted him grossly, and fled to Didier (Desiderius), King of Lombardy, with whom the Franks were then at feud.
Several ancient poems represent Didier on his tower, anxiously watching the approach of the enemy, and questioning his guest as to the personal appearance of Charlemagne.

These poems have been imitated by Longfellow in one of his "Tales of a Wayside Inn." "Olger the Dane, and Desiderio, King of the Lombards, on a lofty tower Stood gazing northward o'er the rolling plains, League after league of harvests, to the foot Of the snow-crested Alps, and saw approach A mighty army, thronging all the roads That led into the city.

And the King Said unto Olger, who had passed his youth As hostage at the court of France, and knew The Emperor's form and face, 'Is Charlemagne Among that host ?' And Olger answered, 'No.'" LONGFELLOW, _Tales of a Wayside Inn_.
This poet, who has made this part of the legend familiar to all English readers, then describes the vanguard of the army, the paladins, the clergy, all in full panoply, and the gradually increasing terror of the Lombard king, who, long before the emperor's approach, would fain have hidden himself underground.

Finally Charlemagne appears in iron mail, brandishing aloft his invincible sword "Joyeuse," and escorted by the main body of his army, grim fighting men, at the mere sight of whom even Ogier the Dane is struck with fear.
"This at a single glance Olger the Dane Saw from the tower; and, turning to the King, Exclaimed in haste: 'Behold! this is the man You looked for with such eagerness!' and then Fell as one dead at Desiderio's feet." LONGFELLOW, _Tales of a Wayside Inn_.
Charlemagne soon overpowered the Lombard king, and assumed the iron crown, while Ogier escaped from the castle in which he was besieged.